The latest IPCC AR6 report makes it clear that extreme heat is affecting all land areas, it’s here to stay, and will get markedly worse without reductions. The urban heat island effect amplifies these realities in cities, where the most vulnerable people also experience highly differential impacts.

Yet heat remains an 'under-the-radar' hazard that does not get the same attention or funding as other, more eye-catchingly deadly, hazards. 

Session 3D is focussing on: 

1. Understanding heat risks in cities
2. Assessing barriers to action
3. Exploring adaptation options and ways to incentivise action.

Some key messages
1. Extreme heat is a deadly and under-appreciated risk, but simple and effective heat actions can save lives during a heatwave. 

2. Climate change is increasing heat risk and cities around the world need to invest in heat adaptation strategies that fit the local context, protect the most vulnerable populations and critical infrastructure. 

3. Adaptation to heat requires working across timescales including addressing acute heatwave events, planning for seasonal heat, and long-term city planning to mitigate the heat island effect. 

Annette McGill

Session 3E is on the theme: What are the opportunities and challenges of using green/gray infrastructure to increase flood resilience? 

WWF has published a guide to nature-based flood management to  support local communities around the world in using natural and nature-based methods for flood risk management.

Download it here: Natural and Nature-Based Flood Management: A Green Guide 

Annette McGill